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Start with the Right Prompt
The ONC prompts are designed to spark creativity, but with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to choose just one. A fun way to narrow them down is to treat the selection process like speed dating—spend a few minutes with each prompt, brainstorming potential ideas, and see which one excites you the most. You might even create a short list of your favorites and then flip a coin or draw one from a hat. The key is to pick a prompt that ignites your passion and sets your imagination on fire.
I mentioned in a different post that I use the hat draw or a spinning wheel to choose a random prompt. This gave me an added challenge of writing a story I probably wouldn't have written before. During ONC2023, I attempted to write two (2) novellas, and one of them was actually a dystopian prompt. Dystopia is not a strength in my writing, but I had a blast giving it a try and adding my own twist to a subject matter.
Don’t be afraid to write something you’ve never written before. Sure, being comfortable with your writing is important, but exploring a different genre, theme or trope makes things interesting!
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Embracing Your Writing Style
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As a plantser—someone who blends planning with spontaneous creativity—I’ve learned that flexibility is key. While I often sketch out a few major beats or a rough idea of the story’s arc, I leave plenty of room for surprises along the way. Here’s how you can approach your story:
Start with a Spark: Focus on the central conflict or theme that excites you. Even a single idea can serve as your guiding light. In this case, your chosen prompt. I tend to make my story's inciting incident the main prompt. This is the triggering event or happening
Anchor Key Moments: Jot down a few pivotal scenes or turning points you want to hit, but don’t worry about filling in every detail. It is okay to leave some things out as long as you intend to come back to it later.
Trust the Process: Allow your characters and plot to evolve as you write. Sometimes, the best twists and moments of growth emerge organically.
If you are someone who needs more structure and organized thinking, you can definitely outline your novella within the first few days of choosing your prompt. I recommend checking out the Save the Cat! Beat Sheet HERE. It is the most commonly used method across all forms of writing.
This hybrid approach allows for structure without stifling creativity, helping you stay motivated while keeping your story dynamic. Remember, your writing style develops as you continue to write.
Creating Characters Readers Care About
Great characters are the heart of any story. Here’s how to craft characters that resonate with your audience:
Give Them Goals and Flaws: A character’s journey is driven by their desires and the obstacles they must overcome. Make these clear and relatable. My biggest takeaway from ONC2024 was that my character's motivation was not made clear through earlier chapters.
Write Distinctive Voices: Your characters should each have their own way of speaking and thinking. This not only makes them more believable but also adds depth to your dialogue.
Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of stating that a character is brave, show them acting courageously in the face of danger. I struggle with this in my writing, but I keep myself open to learn and grow better.
Think about the characters from your favorite books or novellas. What made them memorable? Use those insights to inspire your own creations.
Avoid "White Space"
One common pitfall in writing is "white space," or the absence of description about where a character is at any given point. Grounding your characters in their surroundings helps readers visualize the scene and immerse themselves in your story.
During ONC2023, I fell victim to "White Space", and while my story was rich in character dynamic and story conflict, and readers were eating it up--there were parts that were left to too much of the readers' imagination. Readers want to be fed. If they have to fill in ALL of the gaps, the reading experience loses its charm.
Set the Scene: Use sensory details to establish the environment—sights, sounds, smells, and textures can bring a setting to life.
Integrate Surroundings with Action: Instead of pausing the narrative for description, weave it into your characters’ movements and interactions. For example, have a character slam a door shut, revealing peeling paint or a framed photo nearby.
Keep it Relevant: Ensure descriptions serve the story, either by reflecting the character’s emotions or advancing the plot.
By anchoring your characters in their environment, you create a richer, more engaging world for your readers.
Imagine a character entering a room with no description provided: "She walked in and sat down." This leaves the reader wondering—where is she? Is it a bustling café, a dimly lit office, or a cozy living room? Without context, the reader is adrift in a void, unable to fully connect with the scene or the character's experience.
Now consider this revised version: "She walked into the café, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The hum of quiet chatter blended with the clinking of porcelain cups, and she chose a seat by the window, where raindrops traced lazy paths down the glass." Suddenly, the scene is alive, immersive, and grounded in sensory detail.
Balancing Action, Dialogue, and Description
A novella’s limited word count means every sentence needs to pull its weight. Here are some tips for balancing the key elements of storytelling:
Action: Keep your scenes dynamic by focusing on what’s happening and how it drives the plot forward. Avoid unnecessary filler. Some filler is okay, but if it starts taking the reader away from the story, the line has been crossed.
Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension. Make every line count. I like to read these sentences to myself as if I was actually talking to another person, and I act out the actions the character is making.
Description: Paint vivid scenes with concise language. A few well-chosen details can evoke a rich setting without bogging down the narrative. This aligns with the previous tip about "White Space".
Striking the right balance will ensure your novella remains engaging and well-paced.
Writing a novella is an exciting challenge that pushes your creativity and storytelling skills. By choosing the right prompt, embracing your unique writing style, creating unforgettable characters, avoiding "white space," and balancing narrative elements, you can deliver a story that lingers in readers’ minds long after they’ve finished the last page.
What’s one technique you’ve used to bring your scenes to life? Do you have any writing craft recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
Check out the series index and bonus material!
We are about halfway through this series, but there is still more to come! Keep an eye out for the next episode, where I share my tips to overcoming Writer's Block and avoiding burnout. Happy writing!
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